Hardscape North America Announces Lineup for Contractor Briefings

Free Education Sessions Located in the Trade Show Floor Classroom

Louisville, KY (June 22, 2017) - Back by popular demand, show organizers have planned an information-packed schedule of free Contractor Briefing sessions to be held during the 2017 Hardscape North America. Topics will include OSHA and Silica, as well as a wide range of profit-boosting tips from recognized industry experts.

"The briefings are designed to be quick, drop-in sessions where contractors can learn about trending topics in the industry and pick up innovative ideas to help grow their businesses," said Charles McGrath, Executive Director of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). "We're excited to have a dynamic lineup of experts to share their knowledge."

These 20-minute briefings will take place Thursday, Oct. 19 and Friday, Oct. 20 in the trade show floor classroom located directly behind the ICPI Booth (#20010) on the trade show floor.

Contractor Briefings include:

Thursday, Oct. 19

ICPI Installer Certification, Advanced Designations and Their Value

9:30 - 9:50 AMThe ICPI Executive Director will open the Contractor Briefings by giving you all the information you need on what ICPI can do for you and your business.

Charles McGrath

How to Make Your Personal and Organizational Success Go Off the Charts

11:30 - 11:50 AMLearn simple, insightful ways to interact more positively with others, and watch your personal and organizational success go off the charts. This session is a preview of Gary Ross's talk for Session 203 on Becoming a Person of Influence.

Gary Ross

The BIZ-BUILDER BLUEPRINT for Contractors

1:00 - 1:20 PMYou can build a top-performing company and enjoy the benefits of a successful business without constantly micro-managing, controlling, stressing and making every decision by implementing proven steps, systems, structure, meetings, people and priorities. George Hedley will show you the start of how to draft your winning business plan blueprint to build a profitable growing construction company from one of his presentations.

George Hedley

Five Ways Mobile Phones Are Changing Online Marketing

2:30 - 2:50 PM Mobile devices are rapidly changing the game for hardscape businesses everywhere. In fact, more than 50% of all online searches are now occurring on a mobile phone. Join Todd Bairstow as he presents a summary-style version of his earlier session.

Todd Bairstow

Friday, Oct. 20

Opportunities for Permeable Pavers in Residential and Commercial Markets

9:30 - 9:50 AMThe ICPI Technical Director is a renowned expert on permeable interlocking concrete pavers. Learn about how much opportunity there is in the residential and commercial market for these types of pavers.

Dave Smith

OSHA's New Crystalline Silica Regulation

11:30 - 11:50 AM Learn from an industry expert on how silica affects your business based on the OSHA safety regulations. This session is a preview of Dave Murray's talk for Session 204 on OSHA's New Crystalline Silica Regulation.

David Murray

Five Ways to Future Proof Your Hardscape Business

1:00 - 1:20 PMProper risk management can help prevent many common challenging pitfalls of running a hardscape business. You can prevent loss by implementing simple systems and processes in your business to welcome, track, manage and adapt to change. Frank Bourque of Greenmark Landscaping & Development, Inc. is an award-winning speaker who will give you useful pointers to use in your hardscape business.

Frank Bourque

HNA 2017 early-bird registration is available for $15 (fees increase after Friday, September 8). HNA registration includes the Contractor Briefings, access to both HNA and GIE+EXPO indoor exhibits, access to the 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, entrance to the HNA Hardscape Project Awards Presentation on Thursday, October 19 and three free concerts at Fourth Street Live!

Other education opportunities at the trade show, which can be added to your registration, include live Hardscape Demos, eight Conference Sessions, Pre-show Installer Courses and the HNA Dealer Program.

Hardscape North America (HNA) is THE hardscape show for contractors and distributors/dealers. It brings top-notch education, certification courses, products and technology to contractors and installers who build segmental pavements and retaining walls. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products, demonstrations and networking opportunities. Hardscape North America is an Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) event and endorsed by the National Association of Concrete Masonry (NCMA) and the Brick Industry Association (BIA). To learn more about HNA, visit www.HardscapeNA.com .

About Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute

ICPI is the trade association representing the growing industry of segmental concrete pavement systems in the United States and Canada. The association's membership includes producers, contractors, suppliers, design professionals and distributors. ICPI is the authority for concrete pavers, which are universally recognized as the best value for pavement systems. The association delivers education and technical guidance leading to awareness, acceptance and use of segmental concrete pavement systems in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.icpi.org.